Paddy Lowe will reportedly not be heading to Australia with McLaren next month as the technical director is bound for Mercedes.
Last month rumours emerged suggesting that Lowe, McLaren's technical director, would be off to Mercedes in the future, replacing team boss Ross Brawn.
Brawn, though, denied the reports insisting Lowe would not arrive unless he was leaving.
"Paddy's not coming, no," he said. "If I choose to leave then Paddy will come. We have a fall-back plan. Simple as that."
However, the Guardian newspaper claims Lowe's move to Mercedes is a 'done deal'.
The newspaper added that the technical director 'will not travel to Melbourne' but will continue to be employed by McLaren through 2013, in accordance with his contract.
But he is not expected to be seen around the team and will take what is commonly referred to as "gardening leave". The last thing McLaren want is Lowe taking their secrets to Mercedes.
As for Brawn's position at Mercedes, Lowe's arrival may not signal his departure as motorsport boss Toto Wolff feels the team is in need of "stability" in light of the recent personnel changes.
